Alaska Statewide Anomalies

Alaska's weather observation history, much like its broader history, is unique and developed rapidly during the 20th Century. Therefore, NCDC uses a period of record for statewide-averaged temperature and precipitation that begins in 1918. Earlier statewide-averaged values are not calculated at this time. It should be noted that the methodology differs from that used for CONUS states, in that the Alaskan value represents a gridded approach (the statewide values are the composite of a set of grid boxes), and that coverage is not as complete as that for the CONUS. Alaska Statewide temperature and precipitation anomalies are calculated with respect to the 1971-2000 base period.